ICC World T20 2012: Virender Sehwag a must in Indian team, says Inzamam ul Haq

By CricketCountry Staff

Former Pakistan skipper Inzamam ul-Haq has backed the Indian opener Virender Sehwag and urged captain MS Dhoni to include him in the Indian team for Pakistan clash in the Super Eights of World T20 on Sunday.

He said, “I don’t know much about the Virender Sehwag issue. But if he is fit, my advice to Dhoni is simple – put his name first on the team list.”

In a column for Hindustan Times, Inzamam wrote that this is the best opportunity for the Pakistan team to beat India in a World Cup clash.

“The players are performing as an unit and this might be their best chance to beat India in a world cup for the first time,” wrote the former Paksitan batsman.

Inzamam also cautioned the Pakistan team against complacency ahead of the India clash.

He wrote, “But they will have to guard against overconfidence and complacency, as they have a history of becoming laidback after a good win.”

For the Indian team, the advice offered by Inzamam is to up the ante in their bowling department if they need to win the match.

He wrote, “The main problem for India is their bowling. If any team scores 175-180, India have the batting to chase it. But their bowling does not look like it can defend such a target.

“What India need is a shot of pace. A fast-bowler might get clobbered for a few runs but if he gets two early wickets, it makes the spinners’ job that much easier.

“Like in the England game, for instance, when Irfan Pathan struck early on and the spinners subsequently looked unplayable. If India are to succeed, they will have to strike early with the ball.”

“India, on the other hand, were simply outclassed by Australia. MS Dhoni and his boys will be coming into the Pakistan match with tremendous pressure on them. Not only because they are facing Pakistan but also because this could be a knockout game for them.”

Like all previous India-Pakistan encounters, Inzamam anticipated the match to be a high voltage match.

He wrote, “This match will be watched by more people than the final, unless these two teams are in it.

“You need to have played an India-Pakistan match to know the pressure this match generates for the players.”

First Published on September 30, 2012 4:51 PM ISTLast updated on September 30, 2012 4:51 PM IST